Juana la Loca — Restaurant in San Juan

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My sister and I were looking for a place to eat in Viejo San Juan that was open a bit later; it was close to 9:30pm and a lot of restaurants were closing. I stumbled across this place and was greeted by what I’m assuming was the manager. He was very courteous and professional and had us seated quickly as it was not busy in there (odd for a Friday night). The atmosphere was nice; the decor was great; it had like this spooky, antique vibe that I really loved.

My issue with this place was the food and service from the waitress. We ordered our food and drinks at the same time (around 9:30pm) & our drinks came out very quickly. We ended up waiting almost an hour for our food, which was strange because like I said it was not busy in there. After 30 minutes, the waitress came to our table and told my sister, who had ordered risotto, that “They didn’t have the vegetables for it” and asked if she would like a parmesan risotto (why are you telling us you don’t have ingredients 30 minutes after we order?) Our waitress barely stopped by our table to check on us OR explain why our food was taking so long. Around 10:20pm, it came out, and the dish that I ordered was extremely underwhelming. Basically fried snapper nuggets with an aioli on the side (did not come with rice or anything).

Our drinks were good, but overall, I don’t think you get enough bang for your buck here and I definitely believe that the service could be better. It makes no sense that we had to wait almost an hour for our food when it wasn’t busy.

If you’ve read this far, thank you and I hope you consider this if you go to eat at...

Juan—so good, we went back three times! The place is full of character, with a charming Old San Juan vibe and a touch of history in how it got its name. Its location is perfect, making it a convenient stop as you explore the area.

What really made our experience unforgettable was the bartender, Isaac. Every time we walked in, he greeted us with a warm welcome and served up some of the best drinks we’ve ever had. His attention to detail, spot-on recommendations, and skill behind the bar were unmatched. He even suggested some new drinks and a few appetizers that were absolutely perfect. Isaac truly elevated the entire experience, and we’re sharing a photo of him here because he deserves the recognition!

The food was just as amazing as the drinks—spectacular flavors and perfectly paired with the ambiance of the bar. It’s clear that both Isaac and the owner, who’s often working alongside the team, take pride in delivering a top-notch experience (some live music like Latin rock and salsa some nights). No crazy party, just a great place to hang out, great food and drinks, and casual conversations.

If you’re looking for a bar in Old San Juan with amazing drinks, incredible service, and a unique atmosphere, Juan de la Loca is the place to go. Don’t miss the chance to sit at the bar and let Isaac take care of you—you...

WE LOVE JUANA LA LOCA!!!

We hosted our rehearsal wedding drinks at Juana La Loca the night before our wedding, and it was truly beyond anything we could have imagined. We rented the space for a private event with around 80 of our guests, and it was absolutely perfect.

The venue itself is stunning—charming, vibrant, and filled with so much character. The layout made it effortless for guests to move around, whether they were grabbing a drink at the bar, dancing, or relaxing in one of the cozy lounge areas. The energy in the room was incredible.

From the moment I reached out, the owner George was amazing—kind, professional, and so accommodating. The staff was equally wonderful: friendly, attentive, and genuinely fun, which made the night feel even more special. We served a variety of small bites, and they were all delicious—so many of our guests raved about the food the next day.

Nestled on a beautiful street in Old San Juan, the location feels intimate and local—not overly touristy—which added to the magic of the evening. I truly cannot recommend Juana La Loca more for a celebration. It was unforgettable—a memory that my husband, our friends, and our family will cherish forever.

I am going to post more pictures when we receive from our photographer! (I had so much fun I didn't take...